Inspiring Australia summer 2018

Tour Type: Hidden JourneyBrochure Type: The Australia and New Zealand Book 2018

Delight all your senses on this Hidden Journey from Australia's tropical rainforests and reefs to the foodie flavours of the iconic harbour city of Sydney, traversing this ancient land's spiritual Red Centre, the shimmering Blue Mountains and rolling vineyard-clad hills of Hunter Valley in search of fascinating cultures, soulful desolation and exquisite natural settings.

Sightseeing Highlights

City tour in Alice Springs, Sydney

Cruise on Sydney Harbour, the Great Barrier Reef

See the Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains

View spectacular outback sunsets at Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), coral and fish on the Great Barrier Reef

Call (508) 668-2636 for more information or to book today! Mention code 13704363

Arrive Cairns (3 nights): Embrace a tropical state of mind where the rainforest meets the reef - Far North Queensland! Kick back and enjoy laidback Aussie vibes while you're transferred in a private car to your resort (flights to arrive prior to 2pm). This afternoon, meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a stylish Welcome Reception and dinner overlooking the exquisite crystal-clear water of the Coral Sea. Dine on award-winning modern Australian cuisine using only the freshest local produce at the ultimate tropical beachfront restaurant. Welcome Reception, Dinner with wineAlamanda Palm Cove

Day 2

Daintree and Culture

Daintree and Culture: Today we join our Aboriginal Local Specialist delving into the depths of Daintree - the intoxicating sounds of the forest our constant companion as we gain rich insight into the profound symbiotic relationship the local Kuku Yalanji people share with this ancient land. Spend the morning discovering their fascinating cultural traditions, bush diet and traditional medicine and learn about their traditional hunting techniques. The distractions of civilisation far away, enjoy a Regional Meal in this tranquil rainforest setting before heading back to the holiday air in Cairns, where you will enjoy the evening at leisure, strolling along the Esplanade and perhaps indulging in the local Aussie pub grub.Buffet Breakfast, Regional Meal

Day 3

Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef: Go beyond the 'great' and into a secluded underwater wonderland - your cruise to discover the magic of the Great Barrier Reef will venture to three secluded outer reef dive sites where you have a unique opportunity to soak up the pristine natural setting before you. Roam through the iridescent coral formations where brightly coloured creatures of almost every hue find sanctuary, snorkel around lush underwater gardens or relax up on deck, basking in the gloriously golden Australian sunshine. Indulge in a tropical lunch on board the boat in air-conditioned comfort before returning to Palm Cove.Buffet Breakfast, Lunch

Cairns - Alice Springs: We venture by air to the red heart of Australia and its spiritual centre. Our launch pad to the Outback is the remote town of Alice Springs where we gain a unique perspective on what life is like in an isolated Australian town. Our small group will have an opportunity to visit the School of the Air and the Royal Flying Doctor Service, giving us insight into this medical lifeline to remote Australian communities. As the sun sets over the red ochre sands of Central Australia, we embark on a journey into the bush, enjoying an incredible Be My Guest open-air dinner cooked in a bush camp oven - the flavours of burning Mulga wood infusing our senses as we indulge in the local bush tucker. Bob, our gracious local host for the evening, will regale us with age-old bush cooking tips, while we dine under the glittering canopy of the Southern Hemisphere's skies. Buffet Breakfast, Be My Guest DiningCrowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters

Day 5

Kings Canyon

Alice Springs - Kings Canyon: The Outback colours come alive as we travel into remote territory to the rusty red walls of Kings Canyon. Our first stop is at the Henbury Meteorite Conservation Reserve and its 12 craters that were formed when a meteor crashed into the earth's surface eons ago. Follow these ancient footprints in the surrounding Australian desert landscape before arriving at the rugged wilderness of Kings Canyon where we will spend the afternoon meandering along its shady creek bed.Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with wineKings Canyon Resort, Deluxe Spa Rooms

Day 6

Ayers Rock

Kings Canyon - Ayers Rock (2 nights): As the sun turns the desert landscape from dusty grey to brilliant red, there is the option to set off on a sunrise exploration of the spectacular Kings Canyon - our 6km Rim Walk includes such highlights as the domed 'Lost City' and Cotterill's Lookout. Our lunch stop is at the cattle station of Curtin Springs, which has been home to the Severin family since 1956 when Peter Severin arrived with his young wife Dawn, their toddler son Ashley and 1,500 head of cattle. But this Northern Territory town's cattle wrangling heritage isn't its only claim to fame. We will have a unique opportunity to explore the Curtin Springs Paper factory crafts handmade paper from native grasses and desert ingredients before a barbecue lunch with one of the locals to hear about the Severin family and the extraordinary logistics behind running a million-acre cattle property. This afternoon, we enter Ulu?u - Kata Tju?a National Park to witness a spectacular sunset. Enjoy sparkling wine while you watch the mystical slopes of Uluru change colour as the sun sets below the horizon.Buffet Breakfast, LunchSails in the Desert Authentic Accommodation

Day 7

Uluru and Kata Tjuta

Uluru and Kata Tjuta: Australia's Red Centre lights up in fiery hues before we venture to the Uluru - Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre to understand the ways of the Anangu people who have a spiritual connection with this land that spans tens of thousands of years. On our Cultural Insight we spend some time learning about Tjukurpa, the history, knowledge, religion, morality and law of the Aboriginal people and their ancestors, and navigate the imposing domes of Kata Tjuta, where we join our Travel Director for a guided walk deep through Walpa Gorge. Trace the cultural significance of Kata Tjuta's ancient rocky domes and spend a mesmerising afternoon venturing around the base of Uluru to hear timeless stories of the keepers of this ancient land, admire their unique rock art and visit the Muti?julu Waterhole, an important water source for the Aboriginal people and animals in the area. This evening experience a Regional Meal under the magical Uluru stars at the Sounds of Silence Dinner.Buffet Breakfast, Regional Meal

Ayers Rock - Sydney: Rise with the creatures of the desert to view the soul-stirring sunrise over Uluru, before your afternoon flight to Sydney. Easing back into city life upon our arrival at our hotel in Sydney, your Travel Director will be able to give you hints on the best places to eat this evening.Buffet BreakfastThe Langham

Day 9

Blue Mountains

Sydney - Blue Mountains: Shimmering blue against the distant horizon, the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park welcomes us for a day of discovery. Admire the extraordinary beauty of the eucalyptus-clad cliffs, hanging swamps and raging waterfalls, breathe in the pristine mountain air and discover such icons as the Three Sisters at Echo Point and Govett's Leap Lookout to see spectacular Bridal Veil Falls before delving deeper, travelling off the well-worn track to secluded lookouts and peaceful short bushwalks where we may be the only ones around. Witness the spectacular valley landscapes en-route to your sanctuary for the night, enjoying the rest of the afternoon at leisure and a delicious meal featuring produce sourced from local Blue Mountains suppliers.Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with wineParklands Country Garden and Lodges

Day 10

Hunter Valley

Blue Mountains - Hunter Valley: Traversing the rolling vineyard-clad hills of Hunter Valley, we look forward to a day of indulgence in Australia's original wine country - good food, great wine and spectacular scenery. Sample delicious local vintages during exclusive private wine tastings at boutique vineyards with a Local Specialist and a delectable tasting platter lunch before spending your afternoon at leisure. Consider an Optional Experience. Celebrate the wine and cuisine for which the region is famous at an afternoon cooking class, tee off in exquisite surrounds or spend the afternoon relaxing and enjoy a sundowner on your private balcony before dinner at the resort.Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with wineKirkton Park

Hunter Valley - Sydney (2 nights): Prime your sea legs in Sydney Harbour as you board an America's Cup yacht for an unforgettable afternoon of sailing. Take the helm, work the grinders or simply kick back as you sail glamourously past the billowing sails of the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, the historic Rocks district and small secluded coves surrounded by multi-million-dollar waterfront homes. Enjoy an evening at leisure in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, delving into Australia's award-winning cuisine, discovering art after hours or enjoying a scenic night walk through Hyde Park.Buffet BreakfastThe Langham

Sydney Sightseeing: We enjoy a taste of the good life today as we explore Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, taking a gentle stroll along the coastal walk for incredible views over the Pacific Ocean and wild coastal cliffs. Gain in-depth insight into the architectural marvel that is the iconic Sydney Opera House during a VIP guided tour. Then join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Farewell Dinner at chef Peter Gilmore's iconic Bennelong Restaurant under the billowing sails of the Opera House. as your Australian adventure draws to an end.Buffet Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Day 13

DEPART SYDNEY

Depart Sydney: Your Hidden Journey of discovery through the natural wonders, spiritual soul and iconic man-made wonders of Australia comes to an end after breakfast, when you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight (flights anytime).Buffet Breakfast

Dates/Pricing

Click Quote or call (508) 668-2636 to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.- All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.- For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.- Hotel Class Key: D: Deluxe SF: Superior First Class F: First Class

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Tour Type: Hidden JourneyBrochure Type: The Australia and New Zealand Book 2018Delight all your senses on this Hidden Journey from Australia's tropical rainforests and reefs to the foodie flavours of the iconic harbour city of Sydney, traversing this...